Shank support



June 16, 1936. T. R. NEWBERRY SHANK SUPPORT Filed June 5, 1935 nilllllllllllallnn .7. I? N3 Wherry Patented June 16, 1936 1 Claim.

This invention relates broadly to shank supports adapted to be permanently incorporated in shoes, to preserve their shape as well as to form arch supports.

In the prior art, it has been customary to use, for arch supporting purposes, a straight piece of steel extending lengthwise of the shank of the shoe, a heavy cumbersome piece of steel or several such pieces, the latter class of supports being impractical especially in light weight shoes, and the first class due to their straight formation do not properly support the arches and frequently have been direct cause of fallen arches and other foot deformities in persons using them constantly.

It is the main object of the present invention to overcome the objectional features of the prior supports, and to provide a very light support of steel, curved generally to conform to the shape of the outer longitudinal arch of the human foot, and provided with lateral projections to support the oscalsis and metatarsal arch.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent as the detailed description thereof proceeds.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a. side elevation of a shoe having parts broken away and shown in section, to illustrate the present invention as secured in the shank of a shoe;

Figure 2 is a similar side elevation of the other side of the shoe shown in Figure l; and

Figure 3 is a plan view of the sole of the shoe, with parts thereof broken away to illustrate the invention properly positioned to support the arch of a human foot.

As shown in Figure 3 of the drawing, the invention comprises a plate I of spring steel of a length depending upon the size of the shoe in which it is to be placed. The invention, of course, comprises two of these sheets made in pairs for use in right and left shoes. The sheet shown in Figure 3 is intended for use in a right shoe. The body 2 of the sheet I is curved outwardly to form a support extending along and under the outer longitudinal arch of the foot. A flange 3 extends inwardly from the body 2 and near the cen: ter thereof to form a supportfor the inner longitudinal arch, and to aid in holding the shank of I surroa'r Thomas R. Newberry, San Angelo, Tex.

Application June 5, 1935, Serial No. 25,137

the shoe in proper shape transversely. This flange or lateral extension 3, not only supports the inner arch, but also prevents fallen arches and adds to the wear and appearance of the shoe by holding it in shape.

The heel end of the plate I is provided with an The other end of the body and 6, forming a support for the metatarsal arch.

The dimensions of the supports and their curvatures, both lengthwise and lateral, will obviously depend upon the sizes of the shoes in which they are intended to be used. By using the flanges extending laterally from the main shank or body 2, the arch of the foot is properly supported, without the use of an arch support substantially equal in area to that of the shank of the shoe. This effects a considerable reduction in weight without material reduction in the strength or supporting qualities of the shank support.

While I have described one of the preferred embodiments of my invention, I desire that it be understood that modifications may be made and that no limitations upon my invention are intended other than those imposed by the scope of the appended claim.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

An arch support for shoes comprising a plate of spring metal adapted to be secured in and extend throughout the length of the shank of a shoe, said plate having a main body or shank curved lengthwise and outwardly to support the outer longitudinal arch of the human foot, a flange projecting from said main body near the center thereof to support the inner longitudinal arch, and a flange projecting from one end of said body in the direction of the outer edge thereof to be secured to the heel end of the shoe and flanges extending in opposite directions from the other end of said body to form a support for the .metatarsal arch of the foot.

THOMAS R. NEWBERRY. 

